Russia’s Attacks on Ukrainian Energy Facilities Intensify

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Authorities reported that Russia has launched a significant offensive against energy facilities in Ukraine, employing hundreds of drones and numerous missiles. This recent shelling, described by officials on Thursday, has coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s preparations to appeal to President Donald Trump for more U.S.-made air defense systems and long-range missiles in an upcoming White House meeting.

The attacks resulted in power outages across eight regions of Ukraine, according to Ukrenergo, the country’s state energy operator. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, indicated that there were outages in the capital, Kiev, and noted the suspension of natural gas extraction in the central Poltava region as a direct consequence of the bombardment.

Zelenskiy stated that over 300 drones and 37 missiles were directed toward Ukraine overnight. He accused Russia of deploying cluster munitions and repeatedly targeting the same locations, posing risks to emergency workers and technicians attempting to repair the damaged power grid.

“The Russians are taking advantage of every day this fall to attack our energy infrastructure,” Zelenskiy stated on Telegram.

Since Russia’s invasion more than three years ago, Ukraine’s power grid has become a primary target. Authorities have described Russia’s strategy as “winter weaponization,” which ramp up assaults as winter approaches. Russia claims its strikes are focused solely on military objectives.

Despite facing a significantly larger and better-equipped Russian military, Ukraine has managed to hold its ground, engaging in a protracted war along a roughly 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front that spans eastern and southern regions.

Yet, with its vast territory roughly comparable to Texas, Ukraine finds it challenging to defend itself from aerial assaults. Consequently, officials in Kiev are actively seeking further Western support to guard against such attacks and counter the Russian advance.

Zelenskiy is expected to arrive in the U.S. on Thursday ahead of his meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office set for Friday. Kiev officials have indicated that Ukraine aims to establish a partnership with the United States for co-producing cruise missiles, air defense systems, and drones. Zelenskiy is also advocating for stricter international economic sanctions against Moscow.

This visit occurs amidst indications that Trump is considering increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to break the deadlock in U.S.-led peace efforts.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth mentioned in Brussels that if Russia continues its aggression without seeking a peace resolution, the United States is prepared to impose further consequences on Russia. Meanwhile, Trump noted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally assured him India would halt purchases of Russian oil, a move that would cut crucial revenue for Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.

Washington has been cautious about supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles like the Tomahawk due to fears this could escalate the conflict and heighten tensions between the United States and Russia. However, Trump has expressed frustration over his inability to bring an end to the war and has highlighted what Putin describes as the main barrier to finding a resolution.